A couple weeks ago, while driving home from work, I tuned into the rebroadcast of Fresh Air on my local NPR station. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Terry Gross interview astronaut Chris Hadfield. Truthfully, I wasn’t too aware of Mr. Hadfield. I do remember viewing his version of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” from the International Space Station which became a YouTube hit and generated more than 19 million views.

However, I was filled with a sense of child-like wonder and awe as I listened to Hadfield describe what life was like in space and the amount of courage, preparation and dedication it takes to pull off a typical mission. I was also blown away hearing Hadfield’s eloquent, almost poetic description of the views of earth from the International Space Station.

Recently, Hadfield released a book, “An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth.” It’s the type of book I wouldn’t typically read, but it will immediately go to the top of my reading list.

Whether you’re a marketing pro, teacher, engineer or fast food employee, I highly recommend you listen to the Terry Gross interview with Chris Hadfield. It will expand and add perspective to your thinking and give you a deeper appreciation for the risks astronauts take in the name of science.

“Hero” and “Rock Star” are words that are overused in the media and today’s society. After listing to the Fresh Air interview there’s no doubt in my mind that Chris Hadfield is both.

I wanted to share this video for two reasons: first, I have been absolutely mesmerized with jellyfish ever since I took a trip to the Monterrey Aquarium about seven years ago. Their shapes and translucent colors are poetry in motion. I do realize that jellyfish can be very dangerous for humans, but seeing these creatures move fills me with a sense of mystery and curiosity.

Second, I’ve been working on a project and studying how different organizations use social media and YouTube to promote themselves. This video from the Shedd Aquarium of Chicago does a great job of promoting an upcoming exhibition. I really love how the accompanying music works alongside the great images. So, if I can be a cultural ambassador for a moment, I invite you to Chicago to see this exhibit. It looks amazing!

How about you…what creatures fill you with a sense of wonder and curiosity?